James Gunn had previously clarified that Robert Pattinson’s The Batman and Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker are part of the Elseworlds Universe, not the main DC Universe. However, fans seemed unable to shake the idea of Pattinson’s Batman existing within the DCU. One interesting X discussion ensued on this topic, where many DC fans shared their thoughts and theories on the matter.
The Twilight actor surprised many DC fans, who initially doubted his casting in Matt Reeves’ film. The film turned out to be a saving grace for DC and grossed $772.2 million at the box office. Reeves is set to build his own ReevesVerse with the Batman characters in the Elseworlds Universe.
Some Fans Hated The Idea Of Robert Pattinson’s Potential Appearance In The DCU
James Gunn has unveiled many details about his DC Universe, though not enough for fans to get a clear picture. Speculations and discussions among DC fandoms are plenty on online platforms. One such X discussion began when a user presented the hypothesis that Robert Pattinson‘s Batman could show up in the post-credits scene in David Corenswet‘s Superman: Legacy. This possibility sparked a mixed reaction among fans.
Opinions were divided, with some absolutely hating the idea, while others loved it. Some fans couldn’t figure out how they felt about the prospect. People who disliked the idea majorly pointed out the perceived differences in tone and setting between Matt Reeves‘ and Gunn’s universes. Reeves built a superhero universe that was dark and grounded in reality, while Gunn’s vision is intended to be colorful, comical, and fantastical.
Fans also drew attention to the DC co-CEO’s revelations about the first Batman film in the DCU, The Brave and the Bold. In a bid to make it unique from previous Batman movies, this film hinged on Damian Wayne, the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul. Fans shared that if Pattinson were to appear in the main DCU, he should logically be much older. Some fans also felt that The Lighthouse actor wouldn’t fit in with the power level of the new DCU. Several negative fan reactions read:
I was hoping this would be the case for the longest time; however, given the non-fantastical nature of the ReevesVerse… I would be greatly disappointed.
— ∆ĐRi∆N (@adroxx) January 20, 2024
🤔…it would not work…he is playing too young a Batman. as he is 27 in the Batman (before the Batman novel). We need a Batman that has been Batman for at least 10 years…for Damian to make any sense. 🤷♂️
— Kevin James Stinson (@NooneBladesmith) January 21, 2024
Imo, if the time has passed where Pattinson could’ve been easily added. He’s amazing and The Batman is my favorite movie ever but there is no way he would fit in with the power level of the new DCU. We’re literally starting off with a dark Supergirl story and a Lanterns show.
— Joe💙 (@JoeExRequiem) January 21, 2024
I wouldn’t be interested because one live action batman is enough
— • (@CptButcher) January 20, 2024
During the announcement of the DCU projects in January 2023, Gunn made it clear that DCU’s iteration of Batman will exist separately from Pattinson’s version. He added that The Brave and the Bold will introduce “the Bat family” including his “favorite Robin,” Damian Wayne. Gunn also shared that the film is “a very strange sort of father-son story about the two of them,” referring to Bruce and Damian Wayne.
Others Explained Why Robert Pattinson In The DCU Would Be A Good Idea
Fans in support of the idea presented some valid explanations for why Robert Pattinson’s hypothetical entry into the DCU would work. One fan argued that it was easier for the DCU to incorporate the fan-favorite Batman rather than casting a new actor in the role. Addressing concerns about the grounded nature of Pattinson’s film, the fan noted that Batman could encounter fantastical villains as the DCU stories unfold.
Another fan also contributed to this argument, highlighting that the Batman stories in the comics had a grounded setting before he ventured into fighting aliens. The fan explained with the example of MCU’s Iron Man, who initially fought villains at his level before going against cosmic threats like the Chitauri and Thanos.
One comment also added that the gritty city of Gotham and the shining city of Metropolis could co-exist within the same universe. A fan shared that it would be a jaw-dropping moment if Pattinson were to make an appearance in Superman: Legacy. Several positive fan reactions read:
unpopular opinion: i’d love it, it would make things a lot easier for the DCU and opens the door for battinson to encounter fantastical villains down the line.
— w̷i̷c̷k̷e̷d̷ (@demotxcs) January 20, 2024
I think it's perfect because they are literally building a Batverse around him. I know a lot of people think his Batman is too grounded to fight aliens but that's not true. Batman stories are mostly grounded already. Iron Man was fighting villains at his level till he wasn't.
— Superman-For-All-Seasons (@JustinLCain) January 20, 2024
I would be fucking hyped. I think they can pull off the gritty city of Gotham and the shining city of metropolis in the same universe. That being said they would have to make Batman’s rouges more fantastical in the sequel.
— GlizzyGoblin (@glizy_goblin) January 20, 2024
I would absolutely be in shock. My jaw would be on the floor
— Kevin (@KevinTalks12) January 20, 2024
While both sides presented valid arguments supporting and opposing Robert Pattinson’s DCU appearance, the current DC situation makes it highly unlikely. Andy Muschietti has been enlisted to direct The Brave and the Bold, while Matt Reeves is steering his universe in a very different direction with the upcoming Colin Farrell project, Penguin. Reeves is also currently working on a sequel to The Batman, intended for an October 2025 release.
The Batman is now available for streaming on Max. James Gunn’s first DCU film, Superman: Legacy, starring David Corenswet, is slated to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
